Thomas Begley 10 November 1970 – 23 October 1993 Thomas Begley was born just as his Mothers native Ardoyne was still recovering from the 69 Loyalist Pogrom when some five streets were burned to the ground leaving scores of local families and every resident was coping with the invasion of the British Army. Young Thomas was reared alongside his three brothers and one sister in their family home in Brompton Park. He attended the local Primary School, Holy Cross Boys, before going onto St. Gabriels Secondary like many of his peers. Bootsy as he is fondly remembered in the area was very close to his whole Clan and after leaving School, he worked alongside his Dad. Who was popular in the district and known as a hard working Builder. Like many of his friends, Bootsy had only ever experienced living in a War Zone and a serious Conflict all around. Therefore, volunteering his services to the local IRA Unit wasnt a surprise. According to fellow Volunteers, he was fearless during successive Operations against Loyalist Murder Gangs and the British Crown Forces. He was also quite proud to be an integral part of Óglaigh na hÉireann and fought as a fearless guerilla freedom fighter. After scores of Belfast Nationalists, Catholics and Republicans were targeted, injured and assasinated by the UDA and UVF. The Provisional IRA had gathered enough intelligence on Loyalists to move against the UDA Leadership. On October 23rd 1993, Belfast Brigade Staff ordered its Ardoyne A.S.U. to enter Frizzells Fish Shop on the Shankill Road. The Volunteers involved had been told to evactuate the premises before arming a bomb that would demolish the entire building as the North & West Belfast UDA Headquarters was directly above Frizzells. However, just as two Óglaigh entered the shop the device exploded prematurely and before anyone realised what had just occurred. Regrettably, nine innocent Civilians lay dead, alongside scores of others seriously injured and badly shocked by the force of the blast. In the smoke and chaos, Óglach Thomas (Bootsy) Begley also lay dead beside his life-long friend, neighbour and comrade, Sean Kelly. In the days that followed, Loyalists extracted bloody revenge across the Six Counties. In Ardoyne itself, British Troops opened fire at mourners outside Bootsys home. In which another local Republican, Eddie Copeland narrowly escaped death, a number of others were also injured. After months in hospital, Sean Kelly was sentenced to Life behind bars but was released early under the Good Friday Agreement. It was a terrible tragedy that ended so many lives and the explosions legacy continues to have serious ramifications for the Shankill and Ardoyne communities. Maybe because those families who lost much loved relatives in the bombing feel they never achieved justice. Despite Unionist suspicions of Irish Republicans, I do feel deep sympathy for everyone affected. Óglach Thomas Begley was buried with full military honours and was laid to rest in Milltowns Republican Plot.
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 10:58:07 +0000
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